Winter Survival Gear: Winterizing Your Bug Out Bag

Make sure to winterize your bug out bag for the coming season with the necessary winter survival gear.

How to Prepare Your Winter Survival Gear

Set Your Bug Out Bag for the Cold Season

You’ve got your gear all packed. Your tools, weapons, first aid supplies, winter survival food, fishing tackle, and other survival gear are all ready to go. But is your bug out bag ready for winter?

Once your bug out bag is packed and ready, it’s tempting to put it “out of sight, out of mind.” After all, there’s no point in opening it up until you need it, right?

WRONG.

The truth is, you should be checking your bug out bag often to make sure you didn’t forget anything and your gear is in good working order. Also, update it regularly with season-specific gear, so you’ll be ready to go no matter what time of year you’ll be bugging out.

Below you’ll find a few suggestions for winterizing your bug out bag. Take these steps and stock up on winter survival gear. Take comfort in knowing that you’re prepared to leave at a moment’s notice should disaster strike in the winter months. The winter wilderness can be a horrible place to spend a few minutes in.

Here are just a few items to consider adding to your cold weather survival gear list:

1. Winter Clothes

It should go without saying that preparing for winter requires special consideration for your clothes. Make sure when packing your bug out bag that you include warm clothes such as a heavy jacket, wool socks, a hat, gloves, and boots.

This will be tricky since winter clothes tend to be heavier and bulkier. You may need to make room in your pack to accommodate these clothes. Pack smart, and make sure your pack isn’t too heavy to carry for long distances.

2. Weatherproof Fire Starting Materials

It’s always important to have fire starters, lighters and matches that can withstand the elements, but this is especially important in winter. Snow, wind and wet conditions can make it more difficult to start a fire. Stormproof matches are a must for your winter survival gear.

3. Mylar Blanket

A mylar blanket can be a true lifesaver in a winter survival situation. These high-tech blankets reflect light and help the body retain heat. If you ever find yourself bugging out or stranded during winter, you’ll be glad you packed a couple of these. The best part is they are thin, light and won’t take up much space in your bug out bag.

4. Polyethylene Foam

This is one piece of winter survival gear that often goes overlooked. Polyethylene foam is typically used in packaging, but it also makes great insulation. Use it under your bivy sack or sleeping bag to add an extra layer of warmth between your body and the cold ground.

5. Shovel

A shovel is a good item to have on hand in any survival situation, but it’s especially important in the winter when you may find yourself needing to dig out of the snow. Fortunately, these lightweight folding shovels are perfect for your bug out bag.

6. Eye Protection

This is another winter survival gear item that often goes overlooked. The combination of the bright sun and snow in winter can cause snow blindness, a temporary but painful loss of vision due to exposure to UV rays. In a survival situation, being able to see is a must. So be sure to pack UV-Protect sunglasses in your winter bug out bag.

7. Insulated Water Bottle

You may be stocked up on water, but it won’t do you much good if it’s frozen solid. Pack a couple of insulated water bottles so you’re sure to always have clean drinking water whenever you need it. Check out my “survival secret” that’s perfect for a winter bug out bag. Get it here.

Here’s a quick walkthrough of the Everstryke Pro:

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The most important thing that protects you from extreme cold is heat. Always make it a point to have the necessary gear to keep you warm. You’ll never know when the car engine will cease to function due to the weather. When that happens, your warming gear will be the difference while waiting for rescue to arrive.

Got your own list of winter survival gear to add to this list? Tell us about them in the comments section below!